Paris Nightlife Unveiled: Hidden Gems and Popular Spots
- Pernilla Peacock
- Aug 1, 2024
- 10 min read
Paris is undoubtedly home to some of the best nightlife I've experienced. However, in a city where a double vodka lime soda can cost as much as 21 euros, how can you enjoy the best after-hours offerings without breaking the bank?
My first month in Paris I spent way too much money in all the wrong places. So, over the next five months, my two flatmates and I compiled a list of our favourite places—highlighting where it's worth splashing your euros and where it simply isn't.
From travel tips and timings to pricing, locations, ticket platforms, and overall enjoyment factor, here are our top recommendations for must-visit spots and places to avoid.
General Housekeeping
Where to find events and buy tickets: SHOTGUN
Advertises the highest number of Parisian events on any app store app.
Offers a detailed description of the event and location, with music samples and the number of people likely to attend.
Offers waitlist and resale of tickets.
What Time Should I Arrive?
From experience, we never arrived before 1 AM—people in Paris tend to head out later than in the UK. Since clubs typically stay open until 6 or 7 AM, there's no rush to get there early!
How much should I expect to pay for entry?
Most places require tickets, and the few that don't are usually harder to get into.
Prices vary depending on when you purchase tickets - some of the bigger clubs charge around 14 euros for early bird tickets, which can rise to a staggering 50 euros if you wait til the night.
Are all the clubs located in a specific area?
Many of the major clubs are situated on or just outside the Périphérique, which can make reaching them a bit challenging. However, since clubs stay open late and the metro starts early, holding out until the last song can often lead to a more affordable journey home. Additionally, the night bus provides a cost-effective alternative, or you can opt for the convenience of Uber/Bolt.
So, without further ado, here are our top Parisian recommendations to spice up your evening...
Best Club in Paris
La Clarière: Paris's Hidden Gem in the Bois de Boulogne $$$
Nestled in the heart of the Bois de Boulogne, La Clarière easily claims the top spot as a must-visit venue. This hidden gem offers a unique outdoor club experience that feels more like a festival than a typical club night.
La Clarière stands out as one of the best clubs I've ever been to. The open-air setting, complete with top-tier sound, lighting, and foam machines creates an unparalleled atmosphere. It's no wonder that big names like Fisher, Peggy Gou, Bob Sinclair, Oden & Fatzo, Bakermat and Fatboy Slim regularly perform here.
Ticket prices range from 14 to 50 euros, depending on when you purchase, so make sure to grab them early! La Clarière is open from April until the last weekend of September, so it’s the perfect option for a summer Friday/ Saturday night out.
Most Worth the Splurge
T7: A Nightlife Experience with a View $$$
Located within an abandoned airport terminal, T7 boasts panoramic views of Paris and provides a breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower through its expansive glass walls.
While tickets may come at a higher price, the unbelievable atmosphere coupled with the lineup of renowned performers arguably justifies the cost (early bird tickets also often offer substantial savings).
Not for the faint-hearted - the sheer size of T7, paired with its pulsating techno beats creates an intense, rave-like ambience that's perfect for those seeking an exhilarating night out.
Open from October to early May, T7 stands as a premier nightlife destination during the autumn and winter months.
Best Hidden Gem
Pamela: Paris's calling for the Stylish and Chic $
For the fashion-forward and effortlessly chic, Pamela is the No1 spot. This hidden gem, a favourite among stylish Parisians and Fashion Week insiders, exudes an air of mystery and exclusivity. With no website, all the latest updates and event details are shared on their Instagram, adding to its underground allure.
Entry is free, but getting in is an art form in itself. Resident bouncer "Guy" curates the crowd based on your unique, alternative look and his ever-changing mood, ensuring an eclectic and vibrant atmosphere inside.
The music at Pamela never disappoints, creating an irresistible vibe that keeps the place buzzing most nights of the week. For those in the know, Pamela is the place to be for an unforgettable night out in Paris.
Best After-Hours Experience
Glazart: for those feeling particularly brave $$
For those who believe the night should never end, Glazart is the ultimate after-hours club. Open every weekend from midnight to 6 AM, the party briefly moves outside for a 30-minute reprieve before reopening until 8 PM, ensuring the revelry continues well into the next day.
Glazart has a reputation for being a bit intimidating, which is unsurprising given its appeal to those determined to keep the night going beyond the conventional 6 am cut-off.
Entry costs about 10 euros, and the club is conveniently located near many of the bigger venues on the outskirts of the Peripherique. For true night owls, Glazart is an essential stop on the Paris nightlife circuit.
Most Authentically Parisian Outing
Le Caveau de la Huchette: Paris's Famous Jazz and Swing Bar $$
Nestled in the heart of the 5th arrondissement, Le Caveau de la Huchette stands as a testament to the timeless allure of Parisian jazz and swing, whilst capturing the true essence of Parisian nightlife. With stone walls, dim lighting and live music filling the air, this intimate setting filled with infectious energy from locals dancing the night away flawlessly captures the true spirit of Paris.
Spending a spontaneous weeknight here provides a genuine taste of the city, making it an unforgettable addition to any itinerary. Entry is typically around 10 euros, making it an affordable and essential bucket-list stop for anyone visiting.
Best Post-dinner Boogie
Bambino: From Bites to Beats $
An amazing and surprisingly affordable restaurant serving small plates, this spot is a must-visit if you're heading to Paris. What many don't mention is that on some nights, this chic and vibrant venue transforms into an even better experience.
The DJ starts mixing vinyl, tables are pushed aside, and a dance floor emerges, offering some of the best music in Paris. Entry is still free even if you're not dining, but it's on a first-come-first-served basis. It's best to grab a table early and settle in for the night, as they don't take reservations.
Most Artistic Setting
YOYO $$ Located inside of the Palais du Tokyo, the outside of the venue is nothing short of breathtaking.
2. Le Gare le Gore $$
Found in a remote, abandoned, three-story house, Le Gare le Gore offers both live music and techno every night of the week. For this reason, it is a safe bet for a spontaneous weekday or even Sunday night out.
3. Caberet Sauvage $$
Nestled just beyond the Périphérique, this club immerses you in a circus-inspired setting that feels like stepping into a real big top. Hosting some standout events and others which are rather bizarre (slow dancing to a live violin being a prime example), if you choose your night wisely, it offers a truly distinctive clubbing experience.
4. Le Carmen $
A uniquely cool venue set in a beautiful, old, historic building with high ceilings and a marble staircase, Le Carmen also features a rather peculiar fumoir—a small glass box right in the middle of the bar. It's definitely worth checking out as entry is free, and you have probably already seen it on TikTok!
Most Exclusive Clubs
1. Silencio $$$$
David Lynch's famous fashion week hub, the interior of this exclusive club is predominantly gold, the bar is unbelievable and the line-up is undeniably edgy. However, the queue is long, entry is verging on impossible and the prices are astronomical. This being said, If you are lucky enough to be plus-oned by a friend in the know, go. It is worth a quick visit as the venue is sick and the people-watching is out-of-this-world.
2. Carbone $$$
Easier to crack than Silencio, yet the bouncers here still play gatekeeper to a crowd that lives and breathes music. Knowing the DJ on deck is a must to get through the door, though uncovering that information isn’t as straightforward as it sounds! Cameras are a no-go—you are forced to cover your lens with a sticker upon entry. With mood lighting and eccentric dancers, Carbone proves itself another fashionable gem on the Parisian scene.
3. Les Bains $$
Located beneath a luxurious 5-star hotel, this club boasts a unique feature—an indoor swimming pool. While events are infrequent, they are well worth attending if you can find one. A chic hotel bar above is conveniently accessible for club-goers, and entry was free, or at least it was when I visited!
Best Outside Venues (Summer)
They're all quite similar, located under motorways and overpasses, though K25 leans more hardcore. Trabendo hosts a few standout events, but be selective with which ones you attend. In my opinion, Virage is the best due to its dependable liveliness and good music.
Virage $$
2. K25 $$$
3. Le Trabendo $$
Most Reliable Options
Cheap and Cheerful
Badaboum $
Cheap entry, good music, reasonably priced drinks, easily accessible/ central location, open multiple nights a week and has various rooms.
2. Rex $$
Good music, big venue, good location - Parisians adore this club.
3. Wanderlust $
A very cool and unique setup along the Seine, attracting a young, student-heavy crowd. With multiple indoor and outdoor rooms, it gives off a festival-like vibe.
4. Le Bellevoise $$
This club offers a variety of rooms, each with its own distinct vibe, and is well worth a visit for its affordable prices and fun house music. It also features a rare outdoor terrace smoking area (contrary to the traditional asphyxiating fumoir), making it a standout venue in Paris.
5. Supersonic $
Open every day until midnight, Supersonic is a good alternative which offers a mix of live music and more well-known tunes.
6. Panic Room $
A hidden underground club nestled beneath a cosy bar/pub. Entry is free, but for added peace of mind, you can reserve tickets on Shotgun. The club boasts an intimate atmosphere with a stylish layout, featuring a ceiling adorned with hundreds of lights.
7. FVTR $
Located directly underneath Wanderlust, these two venues share the same building, but unfortunately, there's no direct passage between the two. For this reason, make sure to double-check your ticket location before purchasing. FVTR offers a more grungy and hardcore techno experience compared to Wanderlust, albeit with a slightly less impressive setup and view.
8. Sacré $$
Sacré is an intriguing spot. It features two rooms: one with a casual bar vibe and the other with a more serious DJ setup. It's reliably busy and reasonably priced, with occasional themed music nights which can be quite hit or miss. It doesn't get full until around midnight or 1 AM as there are quite a few bars open until late nearby, so I wouldn't recommend arriving before then.
9. Liebe $
Free entry, open until 5/6 am every day of the week, reliably good music.
10. Nouveau Casino $$
Conveniently situated in Bastille, close to all the bars. The interior is quite cool, but they occasionally play bizarre music, so it's worth checking Shotgun beforehand.
Worth a Miss...
Been there, done that, wasted the money - so you don't have to...
La Machine (Du Moulin Rouge) $$
Despite its prime location, this club (situated in the Moulin Rouge), doesn't live up to expectations. It's not cheap, and despite its vast size and large capacity, it never seems to feel full. The underground smoking area, arguably the biggest fire hazard in Paris, is dangerously claustrophobic and the whole venue is overly touristy due to its affinity with the famous Moulin Rouge.
2. Raspoutine $$$$
The priciest club I've ever been to. It's filled with uber-rich people sporting fur. They only serve Grey Goose vodka, and getting in is like cracking a safe. Honestly, not worth a second glance unless you have serious cash to splash.
3. La Java $
I never ventured here myself, but my housemates did once, hated it, and we consequently never went back.
4. Deflower $$$
Terrible place. They tried to charge us a fortune at the door for a table, and when we refused, they let us in anyway. It's small and packed with obnoxious people ordering champagne sparklers. The music was pretty unremarkable, and the place is dotted with tacky leather furniture.
5. Club Haussman $$
Unless you're going there for a drag show following Pride, it can feel overly touristy and rather uninspiring.
Alternative Nightlife: Festivals and More
FNAC Festival - Hôtel de Ville
Discover a hidden gem in the heart of Paris with the FNAC Festival at the Hôtel de Ville, spanning three nights on the 28th, 29th, and 30th of June. Drawing around 10,000 attendees annually, this festival boasts free entry and features performances by big names like Polo & Pan, Ofenbach, and more.
It's a really fun way to spend your summer weeknights, starting from 6 PM and wrapping up at midnight. Don't miss this opportunity to enjoy free music against one of Paris's most iconic historical backdrops.
Marvelous Island Festival - Torcy
If you're in Paris at the end of May, consider heading to Marvelous Island, a weekend festival just outside the city. It's about a 27-minute train journey from Gare de Lyon.
We bought a day ticket and attended the festival, which is located idyllically on the edge of a lake. The setup is incredible, with one stage overlooking the water, providing a pretty picturesque backdrop as the sun sets. There are two additional stages, offering a variety of music.
Day tickets cost around 50 euros at first release, making it a reasonable option for a day out of the city.
Fête de la Musique: Paris's Annual Music Celebration
Every year on the 21st of June, Paris bursts with excitement as Fête de la Musique takes over the city. Music echoes through every corner as Parisians and visitors alike flood the streets to join in the festivities. For a memorable experience, consider exploring Rue Rambuteau, a recommended hotspot captured in the pictures below.
Following shortly after, the Pride Festival unfolds with equal enthusiasm. Thousands gather to dance and celebrate, transforming the city into a vibrant and elated scene. Both are truly fun and spirited events that shouldn't be missed if in Paris.
So, I hope this guide makes your life a little bit easier when it comes to navigating the Parisian nightlife scene. May our mistakes help you avoid breaking the bank and ensure you make the most of your time discovering both its hidden gems and popular spots.
Pernilla xxx
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